PLAY PODCASTS
Saints Insider

Saints Insider

249 episodes — Page 4 of 5

Sept. 20: Can Saints keep their swagger vs. Eagles?

Everything has gone right for the New Orleans Saints through two weeks of the NFL season. Now they return home to face the Philadelphia Eagles, with a crowd that will have the Superdome rocking like it hasn't in years. But is it all too much? Too much hype, too much success too fast? Our Saints Insider crew of Times-Picayune beat writers Matthew Paras and Luke Johnson, columnist Jeff Duncan and host Zach Ewing break down the matchup from all perspectives, give our keys to the games and finally our predictions for one of the NFC's biggest games of the week. #saints #eagles #whodat #flyeaglesfly #nfl #nflweek3

Sep 20, 202440 min

Sept. 18: Just how good ARE the Saints?

The New Orleans Saints have two emphatic victories in two weeks of the NFL season. Our Saints Insider team of beat writer Luke Johnson, columnists Rod Walker and Jeff Duncan and host Zach Ewing takes stock of how much they've risen in the NFC ranks, what they expect going forward and more. Included in this episode: • Explaining why the Saints' offense has been unstoppable • Giving the O-line its flowers • Ticket prices for Eagles game skyrocketing • Adjustments opponents will start to make • Just how good is the NFC South? #saints #whodat #saintsnation #whodatnation #nfl #nflweek3

Sep 18, 202437 min

Sept. 13: Can the Saints shock the Cowboys?

The New Orleans Saints impressed in their Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers, but now the going gets significantly more difficult. The Saints travel to AT&T Stadium to face the Dallas Cowboys, who also opened with an easy win, theirs against the Cleveland Browns. Our Saints Insider crew of Rod Walker, Matthew Paras, Luke Johnson and host Zach Ewing breaks down the game from every angle, including an injury report, statistics, trends, keys to the game, and finally, our predictions for which team starts the 2024 NFL season 2-0. #saints #whodat #saintsnation #cowboys #nfl #nflweek2 #nflpicks

Sep 13, 202440 min

Sept. 11: Saints' challenges: A storm, then the Cowboys

The New Orleans Saints looked great in their Week 1 rout of the Carolina Panthers. But now comes a much a bigger challenge: A date with the Dallas Cowboys, who also had a resounding Week 1 victory and haven't lost a home regular season game since the 2021 season. Adding to the Saints' obstacles is Hurricane Francine, which is barreling down on New Orleans on Wednesday and affecting both practice times and the personal lives of players and coaches. Our Saints Insiders — Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras and Rod Walker — discuss it all in today's episode, recorded remotely because of the storm. Stay safe, New Orleans! #saints #saintsnation #whodat #cowboys #nfl #nflweek2

Sep 11, 202434 min

Sept. 6: Will the Saints take care of business against Carolina?

The New Orleans Saints open up the 2024 season on Sunday at the Superdome against the Carolina Panthers. We'll finally get to see Klint Kubiak's new offense in action, an invigorated pass rush and the start of a season that is pivotal to the future of the Saints franchise. Our Saints Insiders — Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras and Zach Ewing — break down the game in all facets and then give their Week 1 predictions. Will the Saints get a much-needed win against Carolina? Or can the Panthers pull the upset? #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflweek1 #panthers #keeppounding

Sep 6, 202437 min

Sept. 4: Saints' best/worst case scenarios and NFL picks

What if it all goes right for the New Orleans Saints? How good could their 2024 season be? And on the flip side, what if it all goes wrong? Our Saints Insiders of Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and Zach Ewing discuss those questions, as well as whether the Saints did enough this offseason to supplement their offensive line. Finally, we make our NFL picks for the upcoming season: Storyline to watch, surprise team, disappointing team and our pick to play in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX in February. #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflpicks

Sep 4, 202446 min

Aug. 30: Bold predictions for the 2024 Saints

It's only nine days until the New Orleans Saints kick off the 2024 season against the Carolina Panthers, and we're not here to be meek. In this episode of the Saints Insider podcast, Times-Picayune columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker, beat writer Luke Johnson and host Zach Ewing give their BOLD predictions for the 2024 Saints, featuring: • Taysom Hill, Taysom Hill and more Taysom Hill • Chase Young will have HOW many sacks? • What happens with Marshon Lattimore? • A bizarre prediction for the Saints' first two games Plus, our college football predictions for the new season. #saints #geauxsaints #nfl #nflpicks #nflpredictions #saintsnation

Aug 30, 202449 min

Saints finalize 53-man roster: Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker react live

The New Orleans Saints have their initial 53-man active roster set for the 2024 season. Our Saints columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker break down who made the cut — and some of the more surprising names who didn't, and how this could all change before the first game Sept. 8.

Aug 28, 202443 min

Aug. 23: Whose roster spot is on the line vs. Titans?

The New Orleans Saints finish up their preseason schedule Sunday at home against the Tennessee Titans, and so it's the final time for players to impress the coaching staff to make the 53-man roster. Our Saints Insider crew of Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras, Rod Walker and host Zach Ewing breaks down what to watch for in the Titans game, touching on: • The plan at quarterback • The competition for the final starting spot at safety • Could the Saints really go with Charlie Smyth at kicker? • Final roster battles to watch #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflpreseason

Aug 23, 202437 min

Aug. 21: Good news, bad news from Saints training camp

The New Orleans Saints are back in town and wrapping up training camp this week before their final preseason game Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Our Saints Insider crew of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing go through some reasons for optimism and reasons for pessimism they've gained through camp — good new for the Saints and bad news for the Saints. We cover: • Pass rush • Offensive line • Taysom Hill • Depth at running back and wide receiver • New offensive scheme And much more. #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflpreseason

Aug 21, 202457 min

Aug. 16: Fuaga's injury, Simmons' insult and previewing Saints-49ers

The New Orleans Saints received a double dose of bad news Thursday during and after their most recent training camp practice, with rookie offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga leaving practice with a back injury and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons, whom the Saints courted in free agency, signed instead with the Saints' hated rival and the NFC South favorites, the Atlanta Falcons. All of that provides a backdrop to preseason game No. 2, which sees the Saints travel to face the San Francisco 49ers. Saints Insiders Luke Johnson and Jeff Duncan discuss the Fuaga and Simmons situations and dive into what they expect to see from the Saints in the Bay Area in this episode of Saints Insider, live from California. #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflpreseason #49ers

Aug 16, 202428 min

Saints Insider, Aug. 13: Is it time to replace Trevor Penning?

On today's episode of Saints Insider, we play a game called "Buy or Sell?" Our experts, beat writer Matthew Paras and columnist Jeff Duncan, come to you live from Southern California, where the Saints are holding training camp, to answer whether they're BUYING or SELLING each of the following: • Cam Jordan pass rushing from the inside • The Saints replacing Trevor Penning at right tackle • Whether the safety rotation needs Justin Simmons • If the offense will start the regular season slow #saints #nfl #nfltrainingcamp #saintsnation

Aug 14, 202420 min

Saints Insider, Aug. 7: Is Justin Simmons about to become a Saint?

The New Orleans Saints play their first preseason game of 2024 on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals, but much of the talk the past couple of days at training camp has centered on free-agent safety Justin Simmons, who is visiting the team and may sign a contract to bolster the Saints' secondary. Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras break down the chances Simmons signs with New Orleans, what he would bring to the team and much more on this episode of Saints Insider, including: • Which camp injury is the most concerning • Which quarterback will start against Arizona • How much Chase Young will play in the preseason • Why the punter battle might be more interesting than the kicker battle #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nfltrainingcamp #nflpreseason

Aug 8, 202441 min

Saints Insider, Aug. 5: How concerning are mounting camp injuries?

The New Orleans Saints have an off day from training camp Tuesday, so the Saints Insiders are here to break down what's been going on in Southern California. In this episode, Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras break down: • How Spencer Rattler is making the backup QB battle a real competition • Why Chris Olave might turn into a national star in Year 3 • Whether the offensive line is improving • How concerned they are about the rash of Saints camp injuries#saints #saintsnation #nfl #nfltrainingcamp

Aug 6, 202430 min

Saints Insider, Aug. 2: Who's winning the backup QB battle?

Eight practices into New Orleans Saints training camp, we can start to make some conclusions about what we've seen. The Times-Picayune's Saints Insiders Luke Johnson and Rod Walker are here to do just that, talking about the under-the-radar players they've been most impressed with, the backup quarterback battle between Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener and the most intriguing storylines from camp thus far. Live from Southern California, it's the Saints Insider. #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nfltrainingcamp

Aug 5, 202433 min

Aug. 1: With Saints in pads, what have we learned?

Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras record the latest Saints Insider episode live from Southern California, where the New Orleans Saints have wrapped up their first week of training camp, including three practices in full pads. So what have we learned? Is the defensive line dominant, or the offensive line just that bad? Who has stood out, and what's the latest on camp injuries? #saints #nfl #nfloffseason #saintsnation

Aug 1, 202435 min

July 22: Saints Insider training camp preview episode

The New Orleans Saints head off to Irvine, California, for three weeks of training camp starting Wednesday. Before our Saints Insider crew follows them west, we're here to preview the camp, including: • Whether going away for camp is an advantage • Top position battles to watch • Klint Kubiak's offensive install • Dennis Allen is trying to change his ways • How much has the defense slipped? • Alvin Kamara's contract situation, offensive line, final free agents and more #saints #nfl #nfloffseason #nfltrainingcamp #hardknocks

Jul 22, 202440 min

July 17: Ranking our NFC playoff contenders and pretenders

With training camps opening across the NFL next week, we spent one of our last offseason podcasts looking at the season ahead, specifically at the NFC playoff picture. Each of our Saints Insiders — Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing — ranked the NFC teams, 1 through 16. We then tallied up the votes and divvied the teams into tiers: Pretenders, long shots, contenders and favorites. Who do we have representing the NFC for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans? And who could the surprise playoff teams be? Here's our best guess. #nfl #nfloffseason #saints #49ers #lions #commanders #vikings #packers #bears #cowboys #eagles #giants #falcons #buccaneers #panthers #seahawks #rams #cardinals

Jul 17, 202455 min

July 12: Which players on contract years should the Saints re-sign?

The New Orleans Saints have several players entering the 2024 season in a contract year, i.e., the final year of their current contract. They range from role players to possible stars on one-year prove-it deals. Given their usual salary cap restraints, the Saints will have to make tough decisions on these six players, and in turn the players could earn huge paydays — or a ticket out of town — based on their performance in 2024. Our Saints Insider crew of Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing break down six of those players entering their contract year in this episode. #saints #nfl #nfloffseason

Jul 12, 202451 min

New Orleans vs. Everybody: Are Saints disrespected nationally?

The Saints Insider podcast is back with a look at various offseason NFL power rankings that have been published across the country — most of them placing the New Orleans Saints in the bottom quarter of the league. Add that to a recent ESPN story that ranks the Saints' talent under the age of 25 as the third-worst in the NFL, and you have an emerging pattern: Not many around the country think the Saints can accomplish much in 2024. Are they being underrated, or is those dire projections accurate? Our team of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing dissect the situation and give where they would rank the Saints in NFL power rankings. #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nfloffseason

Jul 9, 202432 min

July 2: Which Saints are in line for a breakout season?

No matter how you define "breakout" — from a bench player to start, a starter to a standout, a standout to a Pro Bowler — every team has players it hopes will take a big step in their career. That's certainly true for the 2024 New Orleans Saints, who have one of the NFL's oldest rosters and need young players to improve. In today's episode, our Saints Insider staff of Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing talk about six candidates to be the Saints' 2024 breakouts. See who we chose and let us know your picks for the Saints' 2024 breakout candidates.

Jul 2, 202453 min

June 27: Ranking the most important Saints for 2024

This isn't a list of the best New Orleans Saints players, or the most talented or most valuable. It's a list of the most important for the Saints' 2024 fortunes. We had three Saints Insiders — beat writers Matthew Paras and Luke Johnson and columnist Jeff Duncan — rank their top 10 "most important Saints," then made a composite ranking. On this episode of Saints Insider, those three, along with host Zach Ewing, give their thoughts on each of these Saints and why they could make or break the Black and Gold in the upcoming season. INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS Matthew Paras: 1. Derek Carr; 2. Klint Kubiak; 3. Taliese Fuaga; 4. Alvin Kamara; 5. Marshon Lattimore; 6. Trevor Penning; 7. Cam Jordan; 8. Chris Olave; 9. Paulson Adebo; 10. Chase Young Luke Johnson: 1. Carr; 2. Kubiak; 3. Fuaga; 4. Lattimore; 5. Jordan; 6. Penning; 7. Kamara; 8. Olave; 9. Young; 10. Tyrann Mathieu Jeff Duncan: 1. Dennis Allen; 2. Carr; 3. Fuaga; 4. Taysom Hill; 5. Carl Granderson; 6. Kendre Miller; 7. Kubiak; 8. Alontae Taylor; 9. Young; 10. Lattimore #saints #nfl #nfloffseason

Jun 27, 20241h 5m

Saints Insider, June 21: Can Derek Carr pass for 22 touchdowns? And more over/unders

Various sportsbooks have set over/under totals for various New Orleans Saints' players statistics in the 2024 season. Our Saints Insider team of beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing take a crack at some of them here, including: • Derek Carr over/under 3,450.5 yards and 21.5 touchdowns • Alvin Kamara o/u 650.5 yards, 6.5 touchdowns • Chris Olave o/u 1,125.5 yards • Chase Young o/u 7 sacks • Saints o/u 7.5 wins Let us know what you think in the comments. #saints #nfl #nfloffseason #sportsbetting

Jun 21, 202449 min

June 19: Projecting the Saints' 53-man roster

With mandatory minicamp in the rearview mirror and training camp in California up next, our Saints Insiders of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing take a swing at projecting New Orleans' 53-man roster when the regular season begins in less than three months. Who wins the big battles at wide receiver and linebacker? Any surprise cuts or additions? And who of the past two draft classes could be at risk. We discuss it all on this week's Saints Insider. #saints #nfl #nfloffseason

Jun 19, 202452 min

Saints Insider, June 14: Breaking down Alvin Kamara's contract dispute

Star running back Alvin Kamara left the final practice of New Orleans Saints minicamp on Thursday, a move sources say was part of a contract dispute. Our Saints Insider team of Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker and host Luke Johnson breaks down the dispute, taking a look at Kamara's perspective, the Saints' perspective and everything in between. We also give our takes on Juwan Johnson's injury and what it means for the Saints and our final takeaways from minicamp. #saints #nfl #nfloffseason

Jun 15, 202448 min

Saints Insider, June 11: Marshon Lattimore, Alvin Kamara at crossroads as minicamp opens

Minicamp is here for the 2024 New Orleans Saints, and with it the first practices of the season for several players, including Marshon Lattimore and Alvin Kamara. They both spoke Tuesday after practice, and our Saints Insiders dissect their comments and why this is a huge year for both of them. Also covered: • Increasing pessimism on Ryan Ramczyk's injury • Battle at wide receiver with some unsung candidates • Noticeable differences in the offense

Jun 11, 202430 min

Saints Insider, June 4: Reasons to love (and hate) this Saints offseason

The Saints offseason is entering its final stretch, with mandatory minicamp next week the last step before training camp begins the 2024 season next month. Our Saints Insiders of Luke Johnson, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing give you some reasons they're optimistic about what the team has done this offseason — and some reasons they're discouraged. We cover: • Early impressions of Klint Kubiak's offense • Concerns about Trevor Penning and the offensive line • Reasons to believe in Trevor Penning and the offensive line • What to expect from Cam Jordan and the defensive line • Young players stepping into their own (Bryan Bresee?) • Mickey Loomis' bargain-basement offseason #saints #nfl #nfloffseason

Jun 4, 202451 min

Saints Insider, May 31: What was it like to cover Drew Brees?

With the New Orleans Saints announcing Thursday that Drew Brees would enter the team's Hall of Fame this fall, our Saints Insiders — Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras, Rod Walker and host Luke Johnson — use this episode to remember Brees. We talk about how Brees was behind the scenes, what covering his games was like — and we play the what-if game with the end of Brees' career. This is the first of many Hall of Fames for Brees. Come take a walk down memory lane with us.

May 31, 202442 min

Saints Insider, May 29: OTA takeaways on Taysom Hill, Jake Haener, more

With two New Orleans Saints practices open to the media in the books, the Saints Insider crew of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing tackle some takeaways from OTAs: • Who benefits the most from Klint Kubiak's new offense • How the same defense can change the way it prepares, too • What Taysom Hill's new role will include — and what it won't • Has Jake Haener already won the QB2 job? • Weekly progress report on the offensive line #saints #nfl #nfloffseason

May 29, 202439 min

Saints Insider, May 24: Who are the Saints' best building blocks?

The New Orleans Saints have an older roster compared to most of the NFL, and their salary cap problems are well-documented. With that in mind, our Saints Insider crew of Rod Walker, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing tried an exercise on today's show: What if you had to draft Saints players based on their value for the next four years? Age, contract status and production were all considered, and we ended up with our top 12 Saints players for the next four years. Let us know what you think of our Saints future draft and what you would have done differently. #saints #nfl #nfloffseason

May 24, 20241h 5m

Saints Insider, May 22: Do the Saints have a plan for their offensive line?

The New Orleans Saints held their first open practice of OTAs this week, and our Saints Insider crew of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing break down what they saw. One big question: Are the Saints showing us what they plan to do on the much-maligned offensive line, or are they just trying different rotations to see what works? We break that down, answer the Marshon Lattimore question, discuss Taysom Hill's ever-changing role and more. #saints #nfl #nfloffseason

May 22, 202436 min

Saints Insider, May 16: Game-by-game predictions for Saints schedule

The New Orleans Saints have their 2024 NFL schedule, and our Saints Insider crew of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing is here to break it down. Is a front-loaded schedule as big of a deal as it seems for the Saints? What are the most important games? We'll take our first crack at predicting a winner for all 18 games and seeing where the Saints end up in 2024. (To see video as we hold cards with our predictions, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVW2nTAiLsI) #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nfloffseason #nflschedule

May 16, 20241h 1m

Saints Insider, May 14: What should Saints hope for in their 2024 schedule?

The NFL schedule will be released Wednesday night. Our Saints Insider crew of Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras, Rod Walker and host Zach Ewing discuss the possibilities for the Saints' opening opponent, what they should want in their schedule and more. Also on this podcast: • Whether trying Tali Fuaga at left tackle is an experiment or a sign of something permanent • Other takeaways from rookie minicamp • Jared Goff's new deal and where Derek Carr fits in the QB salary hierarchy #saints #nfl #nfloffseason #nflschedule

May 14, 202442 min

Saints Insider, May 8: Discussing Derek Carr's comments on health, draft and more

Saints quarterback Derek Carr recently gave an exclusive interview off camera to the Times-Picayune. Our Saints Insider crew discusses his comments, including those on exactly how severely he was injured last season, his thoughts on the Saints' results in the NFL Draft, whether he empathizes with Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins and a tense relationship with former Saints receiver Michael Thomas. Also covered in today's episode: • The Saints' offensive line situation without Andrus Peat • What to watch for at rookie minicamp • NFL schedule release is coming next week #saints #nfldraft #derekcarr #nfloffseason

May 8, 202442 min

Saints Insider, May 3: What's next for Saints offseason?

After the NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints have seven new players — and still several holes on their roster. So what's next for the team? Where are the biggest needs, and how will they get filled? Could Marshon Lattimore be traded next month? Our Saints Insider crew of Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing give their answers to those questions and more as the unofficial second half of the offseason begins. #saints #nfldraft #nfloffseason

May 3, 202429 min

Saints Insider, May 1: NFL Draft recap: Saints grades, favorite picks

The Saints Insider crew is back to dissect the NFL Draft. Our crew of Luke Johnson, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and Jeff Duncan give our report card grades for the New Orleans Saints and discuss how much the team was able to fill its needs with its seven picks, starting with first-round offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and ending with five Day 3 picks. We'll go through pick by pick with Fuaga, second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry and surprise quarterback selection Spencer Rattler and then talk about lottery tickets late in the draft and among undrafted free agents. 0:00 Jeff Duncan on "A Life Impossible"/Introduction 13:33 First round: Taliese Fuaga 23:29 Second round: Kool-Aid McKinstry 33:07 Surprise: Spencer Rattler 44:02 Favorite Day 3 picks 53:02 Undrafted free agents 57:13 Saints sign DB Will Harris #saints #nfldraft #nfloffseason

May 1, 20241h 1m

Saints Insider, April 23: Our final NFL mock draft, picks 1-14

Our Saints Insider crew of Rod Walker, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing goes through the NFL Draft, pick by pick until the New Orleans Saints' turn at No. 14. Who will we take first overall? What big trade is coming? And ultimately, who is left for the Saints to choose from? With the draft two days away, we also offer our final thoughts and predictions for draft day. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DRAFT GIVEAWAY: Subscribe to Saints on NOLA.com YouTube channel and comment on two separate videos between now and our live show on draft night, April 25. #nfldraft #saints #nfloffseason #mockdraft

Apr 23, 202457 min

Saints Insider, April 19: Possibilities for the Saints' second-round pick

Much discussion has been given to the New Orleans Saints' first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft — and rightfully so. But what about the team's second-round pick, No. 45 overall? Our Saints Insider team of Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras, Jeff Duncan and Zach Ewing breaks down why that pick is almost as crucial as the first-rounder and what the Saints might do with it. Could it be a wide receiver? A run-stuffing defensive tackle? Or will the Saints turn elsewhere? And perhaps this is the spot most likely for one of Mickey Loomis' regular draft day trades. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DRAFT GIVEAWAY: Subscribe to Saints on NOLA.com YouTube channel and comment on two separate videos between now and our live show on draft night, April 25.

Apr 19, 202438 min

Saints Insider, April 17: So the Saints need a tackle. Which one should they take?

Our Saints Insider crew of Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras and Zach Ewing break down the top six offensive tackles available in the NFL draft, their strengths, weaknesses, style of play and the chances they're available when the Saints pick at No. 14 We dissect: • Notre Dame's Joe Alt • Penn State's Olu Fashanu • Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga • Alabama's JC Latham • Washington's Troy Fautanu • Georgia's Amarius Mims TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DRAFT GIVEAWAY: Subscribe to Saints on NOLA.com YouTube channel and comment on two separate videos between now and our live show on draft night, April 25. 0:00 Introduction 2:31 How certain the Saints will take an OT? 3:35 Difficulty in evaluating tackles 7:57 NFL draft giveaway 8:32 Olu Fashanu, Penn State 16:31 Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State 22:48 Is Andrus Peat still a possibility in free agency? 25:53 Joe Alt, Notre Dame 29:26 Troy Fautanu, Washington 33:45 JC Latham, Alabama 41:01 Amarius Mims, Georgia 46:12 Final thoughts/verdict

Apr 17, 202451 min

Saints Insider, April 12: Is this the year the Saints finally trade back in the draft?

The New Orleans Saints have executed a trade during the NFL Draft for 16 of the past 17 years, so why would this one be any different? Well, for one thing, the Saints may trade BACK in the first round for the first time since 1997. Our Saints Insider crew of Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing discuss that possibility, as well as whether the Saints might again trade up — and what the return would be on any of those deals. We also take a look at the teams to keep an eye on who draft before the Saints — and might well determine whether a trade happens again. #saints #nfldraft #nfl TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DRAFT GIVEAWAY: Subscribe to Saints on NOLA.com YouTube channel and comment on two separate videos between now and our live show on draft night, April 25.

Apr 12, 202433 min

Saints Insider, April 10: Could the Saints draft defense in Round 1?

All coverage of the New Orleans Saints' draft possibilities seems centered on offensive players, particularly offensive linemen. Is there any chance they take a defensive player in the first round? Our Saints Insider team of Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing discusses that possibility, including what prospects would interest the Saints and if there's any scenario in which a defensive pick is a good idea in the first round. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DRAFT GIVEAWAY: Subscribe to Saints on NOLA.com YouTube channel and comment on two separate videos between now and our live show on draft night, April 25.

Apr 10, 202423 min

Saints Insider, April 5: Are the Saints good at drafting or not?

The New Orleans Saints had an amazing draft class in 2017. The six years since have been relatively barren. The 2006 class helped bring a Super Bowl to the city. They've also had several first-round busts. So is this regime good at drafting? How confident should fans be about this year's crucial NFL draft? Our Saints Insider team of Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing break it down, armed with historical data and added perspective.

Apr 5, 202433 min

Saints Insider, April 3: NFL mock draft, version 1.0

Who will the New Orleans Saints take at No. 14 in the first round of the 2024 NFL mock draft? We'll run through a computer-simulated mock draft of the first 13 picks and then make our selection for the Saints. Will it be an offensive lineman like J.C. Latham, Taliese Fuaga or Olu Fashanu? Georgia tight end Brock Bowers? A receiver or defensive end? Our Saints Insider team of Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras, Rod Walker and host Zach Ewing also take a look at the Saints' second-round pick and the possibility of another New Orleans draft day trade. Luke's full mock draft: https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/saints-nfl-mock-draft-who-does-new-orleans-take-at-no-14/article_37348c10-ebad-11ee-9f95-93ebb15439f9.html

Apr 3, 202453 min

Saints Insider, March 28: Why the new NFL kickoff rule may benefit Saints

The Saints Insider podcast is back with Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker and host Zach Ewing. In this episode, the crew discusses: • Takeaways from LSU's pro day • Dennis Allen's comments on Ryan Ramczyk's injury and impact on Saints' offensive line • NFL rule changes, including a new kickoff that could prove to be an advantage for the Saints • What rule changes we'd make if we were commissioner for a day.

Mar 28, 202436 min

Saints Insider, March 20: Chase Young to have surgery. What's the risk/reward?

The Saints signed defensive end Chase Young to a unique contract that offers some protections to both sides and allows New Orleans to hope to capitalize on the former No. 2 pick's potential. The news that he's having neck surgery complicates matters, but maybe it's still a risk worth taking. Our Saints Insider team of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing dissect the deal and whether it makes sense for the Saints. Also in this episode: • Cedrick Wilson's role • The backup quarterback situation and why the Saints didn't pursue Justin Fields • Which pro days are we keeping an eye on?

Mar 26, 202436 min

Saints Insider, March 13: On Michael Thomas' exit, and the Saints in free agency

Michael Thomas is expected to be released by the Saints in the coming days, and our Saints Insider crew, including Jeff Duncan — whom Thomas insulted on social media upon news of his release breaking — react to his brilliant and then frustrating tenure in New Orleans. Duncan, along with host Zach Ewing, Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras, also dive into: • What's next for the Saints in what has thus far been a quiet free agency period • Potential targets for the Saints in free agency • Reaction to free agency moves and trades around the NFL • Are the Falcons rightfully the favorites in the NFC South? #saints #nflfreeagency #nfloffseason #falcons

Mar 13, 202442 min

Saints Insider, March 6: Who are the 'Saints kinda guys' in this NFL draft?

Saints beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras return from Indianapolis and join host Zach Ewing for a post-NFL combine discussion. Included: • Is it possible the Saints finally trade down in a draft? • Who are the best fits for what Mickey Loomis and Jeff Ireland look for? In other words, the "Saints kinda guys" in this draft. • Will the first-round pick definitely be a lineman or receiver? • With the league year starting, who will the Falcons end up with at quarterback? What other free agency stories are you watching?

Mar 6, 202447 min

Saints Insider, Feb. 29: Ranking the best Saints offseasons in the past 25 years

One offseason can turn around the fortunes of a franchise in a hurry, as evidenced by last year's Houston Texans. The New Orleans Saints need one now, and they have four good ones in their own recent history. Our Saints Insiders — Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker and host Zach Ewing — relive those and how they can replicate it this year. Also on the docket: • Saints move closer to salary cap relief • Marshon Lattimore trade talk • Saints players grade the franchise through the NFLPA survey Jeff Duncan column on best Saints offseasons: https://www.nola.com/sports/jeff_duncan/history-shows-the-saints-are-overdue-for-a-big-offseason/article_f663c698-d6a7-11ee-bc47-6f05518cd105.html

Feb 29, 202434 min

Saints Insider, Feb. 26: Why the Saints may approach this combine differently

With more NFL salary cap relief than expected and a new offensive coaching staff, the New Orleans Saints head to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. How will that change their approach in looking at draft prospects? And might they be more active in free agency than anticipated? Who should Saints fans be keeping an eye on during combine workouts? Our Saints Insider crew answers those questions and more on this episode, with Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing offering reaction to Derek Carr's new contract structure and the salary cap situation, plus a full preview of the combine — including our under-the-radar prospects to watch. #nfl #nflcombine #saints

Feb 26, 202436 min

Saints Insider, Feb. 21: What should be top priority for the new offensive staff?

The New Orleans Saints finally have their completed, overhauled offensive coaching staff this week, led by new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. What should they focus on first during the offseason? And what might the Saints learn at next week's NFL combine toward that goal? Our Saints Insider crew of Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker and Matthew Paras break it down on this episode. #saints #nfl #nfloffseason

Feb 22, 202432 min